Basketball Victoria has collaborated with Basketball Australia to deliver the ‘Guidelines for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Basketball in Victoria’. These guidelines support participation opportunities for transgender athletes while balancing fairness and inclusion, particularly for Victorian Senior Representative Leagues such as NBL1 South, Big V and CBL.
In developing these guidelines, Basketball Victoria undertook guidance from Basketball Australia, notably its “Guidelines for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Community Basketball” document released in December 2021 and organisations that represent the transgender community.
Basketball Victoria recognises that there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer as to the eligibility in elite and sub-elite basketball and therefore continues to treat applications to play on a case-by-case basis at these levels.
Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said the new guidelines aim to provide guidance and support for associations at the community and participation level, with inclusion as the primary focus, while having the well-being of all participants at the front of mind.
“It is important that all athletes participate in an inclusive, fair, and respectful environment and we hope all in the community can move forward together with a clear understanding of the new guidelines” Honey said.
Basketball Victoria’s Diversity and Inclusion Manager - Sheena Atkin, added that while basketball has a long history of inclusivity and welcoming environments for athletes, coaches and officials, the new guidelines provided the clear support and frameworks needed for the whole Victorian community.
“Basketball has long prided itself as “Everyone’s Game” and this remains the case, particularly at the ‘Community’ level. We recognise there is still much to learn in this space, the new guidelines confirm the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community into all levels of basketball being an imperative.”
